Box container systems and display frames with multiple view optics

ABSTRACT

Optical arrangements are provided by which observers of flat containers or display boxes, such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes, can be presented with different information when looking at one of the box&#39;s surfaces from different angular perspectives. Advantageously, parallax effects are compensated where the size of the observable images and the viewing distance create undesirable visual artifacts. Horizontally and vertically oriented lenticulated panels are used in combination with interlaced images to convey the differently coded views without the need for physically manipulating such boxes as in the past to see equivalent information. Printed informational inserts are provided with interlaced images and reference surfaces for alignment purposes which is achieved either with control of fit or via resiliently flexible arrangements for urging the inserts into positions of proper alignment. These arrangements enhance the possibilities for displaying more and different kinds of information on a given box or display surface area compared with conventional approaches and may be used to enhance the prospects for increasing sales of products and displaying sporting figures, celebrities, animation, graphics, textual messages, special visual effects, or the like.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U. S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/222,632 filed on Apr. 1, 1994, now abandonedU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/338,246 filed on Nov. 14, 1994 nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,588,526 issued on Dec. 31, 1996 and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/367,091 filed on Dec. 30, 1994, now U.S. Pat.No. 5,647,151.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to storage and display boxes, displayframes, and, more particularly, to optical arrangements for providingenhanced viewing of textual, graphic, and/or other symbolically codedinformation located on or inside of storage and/or display boxes formerchandise such as compact discs, audio tapes, or the like.

2. Description of the Prior Art

With the continuous improvements in digital storage media and recordingtechnology, it is increasingly possible to store more and moreinformation, particularly imaging and audio information, in smaller andsmaller physical space. More recently, multimedia and even digital videoof feature length motion pictures have become a reality. As the physicalsize of such media shrinks, it has been a challenge to provide packagingand advertising materials of some sensible scale which permit apotential customer to learn about the contents stored in the media whileat the same time without occupying too much retail shelf space. Oneimportant digital media for such storage applications is the compactdisc, although magnetic media in the form of discs and tapes is alsostill an important storage media.

Compact discs, which were first developed by philips and Sony in theearly 1980s, are now a well-established form of medium for recording avariety of retrievable information. Their popularity and success stemfrom their compactness, convenience, competitive cost, and highinformation storing capacity.

Physically, such discs are thin, flat, circular objects approximately 12cm in diameter by about 1.2 mm thick. They are provided with a centralhole about 18 mm in diameter for purposes of mounting them for rotationin various devices capable of reading and writing information to andfrom them. Typically, audio, video or other data is recorded in digitalform on one surface of the disc with the opposite remaining free forcarrying information about the contents of the recorded information.

For enabling writing and recording information, a compact disc (CD)comprises a clear plastic layer over a reflective aluminum surface.Data, of whatever type, is stored on the disc in binary code; the `ones`of the code being dents or pits in the plastic surface while the `zeros`are represented by smooth plastic. When playing the disc, a laser beamscans the disc surface it rotates and is reflected back only by the`zero` areas. Reflected light pulses are picked up by a photodetectorwhich converts them into a digital electrical signal that can then befurther processed for subsequent use in various playback devicesappropriate for the type of information recorded in the disc.

While very popular for audio recording, CDs also can be used for storingvideo and multimedia information, which applies the same technology.These have advantages over magnetic tape by virtue of being easier toreplicate and randomly access.

CDs are also used to store large amounts of computer information. Here,CD-ROM (compact disc with read-only memory) is the most common format,but other forms of disc are available that allow data to be written onthe disc as well as read.

Recent applications for CD use include the photo-CD, which records stillimages for viewing on a television screen or reproduction as hard copy,and the multimedia CD, which holds pictures, sound, and text informationon one disc and can play it back through television receivers and hi-fiequipment or appropriately configured computer systems.

While CDs are physically robust because information is digitally encodedand optically read, they obviously are not immune to damage and requireprotection from mishandling and environmental effects, which coulddestroy or compromise their information bearing surfaces or otherwisethreaten their physical integrity.

Consequently, CDs are usually shipped, stored and marketed incorrespondingly flat containers referred to as "jewel boxes". Such boxesare generally made of a durable, transparent plastic such aspolycarbonate or styrene and have been designed to occupy the minimalamount of space consistent with their protective function. As a resultof this, and the fact that CDs can carry so much digitally encodedinformation, space available on the surfaces of the jewel box forproviding information about their contents is at a premium, especiallysince the practice of packaging CDs with "spaghetti" boxes has beendiscontinued because of environmental pressures associated with theaccumulated waste from the sale of large volumes of CDs.

Since the disappearance of the spaghetti box from the marketplace, thecurrent technique for informing CD users about the contents of recordedCD information is to provide the information in the form of thin paperbooklets or sheets that are visible through the flat, transparent panelsof a jewel boxes' front cover or base, or both. In addition, use is alsomade of the hinge edge of a box for displaying cryptic information aboutthe title and author or artist of the CD. However, the limited exteriorsurface area of the conventional CD box, in turn, limits the amount ofinformation that can be seen through any one surface thus requiringrelevant information to be distributed among available surfaces. Thisforces a prospective buyer to flip through stacks of CDs while scanningthe front covers in search of the identity of a particular CD, usuallyby title and/or artist, that may be of interest and then turning the boxaround to examine the rear surface for information about the detailedcontents. Studies have shown that this results in the loss of multiple,and perhaps primary, sales because the process is time consuming andfrustrating for the consumer. Hence, there is a need for a solution tothe foregoing problems, and it is a primary object of this invention toprovide solutions through the use of optical arrangements which enhancethe viewing opportunities and amount of information that can be visuallydetected by a prospective CD owner.

While optical approaches have been used in the past for directmagnification of content information about the insides of containers,none have provided more visual access to more information on the sameviewable area or, more importantly, different information viewablethrough the same box surface. For example, British patent No. GB2222143entitled "BOX-LIKE CONTAINER" published on Feb. 28, 1990 discloses theuse of a plano-convex, positive cylindrical lens arranged along thehinge edge of a tape cassette or compact disc box for purposes ofproviding magnification of informational matter carried directly behindit.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,026 entitled "STORAGE CASES FOR INFORMATIONRECORDING DEVICES", issued on Sep. 5, 1989 discloses a Fresnel lensincorporated in or on the front cover panel of a case for purposes ofmagnifying information carried on the surface of a program card insertedin the case such that it lies directly beneath the lens. In like manner,U.S. Pat. No. 4,044,889 entitled "COSMETIC CONTAINER INCLUDINGINTEGRATED LENS STRUCTURE", issued on Aug. 30, 1977, also shows aFresnel lens for magnifying tiny underlying information carried on theinterior of a cosmetic container.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,026 entitled "STORAGE CASES FOR INFORMATIONRECORDING DEVICES", issued in the name of Thomas J. perkowski on Sep. 5,1989, discloses a Fresnel lens arranged on the front cover of a magnetictape, video tape, or compact disc storage box for magnifying informationlocated directly behind the front cover at an appropriate distance.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,044,889 entitled "COSMETIC CONTAINERINCLUDING INTEGRATED LENS STRUCTURE", issued to Seymour Orentreich etal. on Aug. 30, 1977, describes the use of Fresnel lens structures formagnifying information located on the interior surfaces of cosmeticcontainers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,531 entitled "HOLOGRAM PRODUCTION", issued toCharles E. palmer et al. on Feb. 23, 1993, describes techniques forforming holographic images in cosmetic compact covers or compact audioor video discs or the like.

In view of the known art, there continues to be a demonstrable need formore effective ways of providing significantly improved visual access toflat storage containers and display boxes for purposes of informingprospective users about the contents of the containers and for makingtheir contents more attractive to induce increased sales or, moresimply, for displays, such as image frames, that are capable ofproviding multiple image viewable from different perspectives. And, itis a primary object of this invention to fulfill this need.

Another object of the present invention is to provide opticalarrangements by which the viewable surfaces of flat containers ordisplay frames may be exploited to provide views of differentinformation or images by observing those surfaces from slightlydifferent perspectives.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide opticalarrangements by which encoded information, multiple images, and stereopairs may be provided on a viewable surface.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide opticalviewing arrangements for compact disc containers that can be implementedby relatively minor modification of currently existing molds forfabricating them.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide opticalarrangements by which pseudo-dynamic information may be provided to anobserver of a flat container box or display frame.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an opticalarrangement employing a lenticulated surface structured to compensatefor parallax effects at customary viewing distances.

Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide printedinformational materials, such as booklets and the like, that can beinserted into flat boxes utilizing existing equipment.

Still another object of the invention is to provide printing methods forfabricating inserts that carry multiple interlaced images for use withlenticular screens.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent and will appearhereinafter in the following detailed description when read inconnection with the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Optical arrangements are provided by which observers of flat containersor display boxes, such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes, and displayframes can be presented with different information in the form ofmultiple images either about the contents of the box or simply differentimages when looking at one of its surfaces from different angularperspectives. Horizontally and vertically oriented lenticulated panelsare used in combination with interlaced images to convey the differentlycoded views without the need for physically manipulating such boxes asin the past to see equivalent information. These arrangements enhancethe possibilities for displaying more and different kinds of informationon a given box or display surface area compared with conventionalapproaches, and as such, enhance the prospects for increasing initialand multiple sales of CD products and display frames for sports figures,family members, celebrities, animation, artwork, messages, and similarimages or combinations of them.

The interlaced images preferably are carried on printed card inserts inoptical registration with the lenticulated surfaces, printed on interiorsurfaces or exterior surfaces of a box or front surface of a compactdisc, or some combination of all possibilities. Whatever the means forpresenting the interlaced images to the lenticulated surfaces used inthe invention, it is important to align it within tolerable limits withthe longitudinal axes and focal plane of the lenticules to assure imagequality and crisp separation, although for special effects such asmorphing these requirements may be intentionally relaxed.

In preferred embodiments, the spatial frequency of the lenticulatedpanels and interlaced images are arranged with respect to one another tocompensate for parallax effects which would otherwise be present whenthe flat panels are observed at customary viewing distances. Preferably,the spatial frequency of the interlaced images are adopted as fixed andthe spatial frequency of the lenticulae is made higher by a factorapproximately in the ratio of the of the viewing distances to theirrespective planes, adjusted for refraction effects of the lenticulesthemselves as needed.

The interlaced images are preferably carried on multi paneled, printed,inserts that are folded to be compliant so that, when inserted into abox, they are resiliently urged to lie flat, within tolerances, againstthe plane containing the loci of focal lines of the lenticulae.Preferably, the panels of the inserts are adjusted in length so thatwhen folded a bow is induced in the panel to provide it with a springaction when compressed or to assume a predetermined curve when freestanding.

In addition to compliant printed inserts, arrangements utilizingmechanical resilient sections are disclosed which lift the printedinserts into the focal plane of the lenticules and otherwise align areference edge of the printed insert against a reference line of the boxto assure angular alignment of the interlaced images and thelongitudinal axes of the lenticules.

Special snap or clip-on lenticular panels are disclosed for use withprinted graphics and the like located on the exterior surfaces of acontainer box or the like. Here, alignment takes place automaticallywhen the panel is clipped to the exterior surface.

Multiple image displays, which include sporting figures or familymembers or the like, are disclosed. In these, alignment with thelenticules is preferably achieved by virtue of the fit provided betweenthe printed insert and a compartment or channels adapted to receive theinsert. Alternatively, the fit may be relaxed and the printed cardmechanically forced into a registration position through the use ofmechanical resilient fingers.

The printed inserts themselves may be selectively embossed to providecompliant features that resiliently urge the insert into alignment withthe focal plane and longitudinal axes of the lenticules.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure and operation of the invention, together with otherobjects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reading thedetailed description in connection with the drawings in which uniquereference numerals have been used throughout for each part and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a plurality of conventionalCD jewel boxes stacked to illustrate the identification problem aconsumer usually encounters during the buying process;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a conventional CD jewel boxshown in its opened position along with a compact disc;

FIG. 3 is an exploded diagrammatic perspective view of a conventional CDjewel box and its various contents including a CD, program insert, andbase insert with folded edges;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective of an inventive compact disc boxsystem having a vertically oriented lenticulated front panel;

FIG. 5 is diagrammatic perspective of an inventive compact disc boxsystem having a horizontally oriented lenticulated front panel;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic vertical elevational view of the view presentedto an observer looking along a first path of observation at the front ofthe compact disc box system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic vertical elevational view of the view presentedto an observer looking along a second path of observation, angularlyseparated from the first in the horizontal plane, when looking at thefront of the compact disc box system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a preferred, multipaneled, printed booklet that may be used in the practice of theinvention showing that, in its free standing folded configuration, thebooklet is bow shaped and compliant;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic, unfolded plan view of the booklet of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration showing how the multi paneledbooklet of FIGS. 8 and 9 is folded to achieve the configuration of FIG.8;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrammatic drawings taken transverse thelongitudinal axes of lenticulated panels used in the inventive boxsystems tracing the paths various light rays take in traveling todifferent segments of interlaced images formed on information bearingcards used in the inventive box systems;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the nature of parallaxeffects that are corrected by certain features of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic illustration showing in more detail how theparallax effects of FIG. 13 occur as a result of differences in theangle of perspective from which an observer "sees" different segments ofinterlaced images of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the origins of a visualparallax effect that exists without the corrective features of theinvention;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the principle ofoperation of the lenticulated surfaces of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic front elevational view of the box system ofFIGS. 4 and 5 shown with additional elements to illustrate theimportance of alignment of informational material with the longitudinalaxes of the lenticulated surfaces of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a disc holder providedwith resilient fingers to urge a printed insert, such as a booklet, intoregistration with the focal plane of a lenticulated panel of theinvention;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic plane view of the disc holder of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic elevational view of the disc holder of FIG.18;

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic, sectional elevation of a portion of the discholder of FIG. 19 taken generally along lines 21--21 thereof;

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a front cover of the boxsystems of FIGS. 4 and 5 showing resilient fingers for urging a printedinsert against a reference line or a shallow side wall of a box foraligning the interlaced images of a printed insert with respect to thelongitudinal axes of the lenticules of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic, plane view of the front cover of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic, side elevational view of the front cover ofFIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic, sectional view of the front cover of FIG. 23taken generally along line 25--25 thereof;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic, sectional view of the front cover of FIG. 25taken generally along 26--26 thereof;

FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic, sectional view of the front cover of FIG. 25taken generally along 26--26 thereof shown in combination with afragment of a printed insert;

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic, sectional view of the front cover of FIG. 25taken generally along 28--28 thereof;

FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic, sectional view of the front cover of FIG. 25taken generally along 28--28 thereof shown in combination with afragment of a printed insert;

FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a printed insert of theinvention embossed with features to make it selectively compliant forpurposes of aligning it with the focal plane and/or longitudinal axes ofthe lenticules of the invention;

FIG. 31 is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional, elevational view of afragment of the embossed printed insert of FIG. 30 shown in combinationwith a fragment of a front cover of the invention to illustrate theinteraction between the embossed sections of the printed insert with thetabs of the front cover;

FIGS. 32(a) through 32(e) are a series of diagrammatic, perspectiveviews of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing how aninventive flexible, lenticulated panel can be clipped to a surface of acontainer which carries interlaced images printed on it;

FIG. 33 is a diagrammatic, plan view of the flexible, lenticulated panelof FIG. 32 showing a clipping arrangement that cooperates with receivingholes in the box of FIG. 32 to align the lenticules of the panel withthe interlaced images printed on the box;

FIG. 34 is a diagrammatic, sectional view of one of the clips of thepanel of FIG. 33 taken generally along line 34 34 thereof;

FIG. 35 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of yet another embodiment ofthe invention showing a lenticulated image display frame in combinationwith a printed insert therefor.

FIG. 36 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of still another embodimentof the invention showing an image display frame lenticulated on only oneside in combination with a printed insert therefor.

FIG. 37 is a diagrammatic, sectioned elevational view of FIG. 35 takengenerally along line 36--36 thereof; and

FIG. 38 is a diagrammatic, front elevational view of yet anotherembodiment of the invention illustrating that reference locatingsurfaces of displays, boxes, and printed materials of the invention neednot be parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of lenticulesbut only in a fixed orientation with respect to them.

BACKGROUND

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 which shows a stack of flat storage anddisplay box systems for compact discs. The stack is generally designatedat 10 and comprises a plurality of individual boxes 12, 14, 16, and 18,which are all identical and of conventional design for storing anddisplaying compact discs (CDs) such as those for recording and playingback audio information. However, it will be understood that other formsof information such as data, video, multimedia, or graphics could justas easily be recorded on such CDs.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, each compact disc box system, consideringbox 14 as exemplary, comprises the following major components: a frontcover 20, a rear base 22, a compact disc carrier or holder 24, aninformational booklet 26, which typically carries printed graphical andtextual information describing the recorded contents of the box, acompact disc 28 which bears recorded information, and a folded printedinsert card 30, which typically carries a shortened textual and graphicdescription of the contents of the recorded information.

Front cover 20, rear base 22, and disc holder 24 are all injectionmolded of a suitable plastic with a wall thickness of about 1.2 mm.Overall, each box measures about 142 mm ×124 mm ×10.4 mm as pictured inFIG. 1 in their closed state.

Typically, front cover 20 and rear base 22 are transparent and molded ofstyrene or polycarbonate, while disc holder 24 may be made of eithertransparent or opaque plastic, colored as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 3, it can be seen that front cover 20 comprises afront flat panel 32 which has upper and lower raised edges 34 and 36,respectively. Upper raised edge 34 has a pair of spaced apart tabs, 38and 40, extending outwardly therefrom while lower raised edge 36 isprovided with a similar pair of tabs, 42, and 44. Tabs, 38 to 44, areconfigured and arranged to have corresponding edges of booklet 26 slideunderneath them to retain it with its front surface against the rearsurface of transparent front cover panel 32. In this manner, informationcarried on the front page of booklet 26, such as the title and artist'sname for an audio disc, can be clearly seen through the front surface offront cover 20. Booklet 26 is automatically inserted into the space or"pocket" formed between the rear surface to the front cover 20 and theoppositely facing surfaces of the tabs. This is achieved through the useof high speed equipment designed especially for this purpose and widelyavailable throughout the industry. Part of this invention, as will beseen, is to provide informational inserts, like booklets, that areadapted for use with such high-speed equipment while having featuresparticularly suitable to other purposes of the invention.

Rear base 22 also has a transparent flat panel that is designated as 46.Extending outwardly from flat panel 46 are a plurality of raised edgesections 48, 50, 52, and 54. Raised edge sections, 48 and 52, areprovided with shallow circularly symmetric holes that cooperate withshort complementarily configured posts on the back end of front coverupper and lower edge, 34 and 36, respectively, to provide a pair ofpivots, 51 and 53, respectively. Pivots, 51 and 53, permit front cover20 and rear base 22 to be hingedly connected to one another for movementbetween open and closed positions.

Folded insert 30 comprises a flat panel section 80 and two raised endedges 82 and 84, all of which can carry printed textual or graphicalinformation. Typically, edges 82 and 84 carry just textual information.

During the assembly of a typical box storage and display system, insert30 is usually automatically placed in rear base 22 with its informationbearing section 80 against the rear surface of transparent flat panel 46so that it can be readily perceived from the opposite surface by a CDuser or customer.

In this connection, the information carried on raised edges 82 and 84can be seen, respectively, through left and right edges, 83 and 85,respectively, of rear base 22. Left edge 83 in this instance correspondsto the hinge edge of a typical box system.

Compact disc holder 24 functions to retain insert card 30 flush with therear surface of rear base flat panel 46 and to retain a compact disc inplace. For these purposes, disc holder 24 comprises a circular traysection 66 with a flexible hub 64. Extending above circular tray section66 are four raised edge sections, 68, 70, 72, and 74, located at thefour corners of disc holder 24 and shaped to provide a rim forprotecting the peripheral edges of a compact disc.

Each raised edge section, 68-72, includes raised dimples (only twoshown), such as those at 69 and 71, that are adapted to be snap-fittedwith corresponding tab section detent holes, 56-62, in rear base 22. Inthis manner disc holder 24 snaps into and is retained in rear base 22.

Compact disc 28 is seen to be a flat circular object with a frontsurface 86, rear surface 90, and central circular mounting hole 88.Front surface 86 carries recorded information with rear surface 90typically carrying printed information identifying the CD recordedcontents by title and artist or the like.

CD 28 is held in place by disc holder 24 with its recorded informationbearing surface 86 against the front surface of circular tray 66 so thatit is protected against damage. To accomplish this, a user simply alignsflexible hub 64 with circular hole 88 and then pushes against compactdisc 28 until it compresses the flexible fingers of hub 64 inwardly.Further inward pressure causes the flexible fingers by design to expandafter certain portions clear the thickness of a CD to trap disc 28 inplace.

Disc holder 24 also includes a rectangularly shaped raised deck 78 thatprotrudes through front cover 20 near the hinge edge. The deck isusually provided with surface serrations extending along itslongitudinal direction to provide a grip for ease of handling by theuser and during manufacture.

In the assembled state as shown in FIG. 1, the information bearingsurfaces in such compact disc storage and display box systems canusually only be seen by flipping through them in the manner illustrated.Because of the display arrangements adopted by retailers, it istypically only possible to flip through boxes to scan the informationappearing through their front covers to identify their contents. Thealternative is to pick the box up and examine all of its sides for theneeded information. No information can be seen through either top orbottom edges in the position in which they are usually displayed, andthe information that might be seen through the hinge or right edge of abox system is also obscured in this display position.

As will be seen in the following description, the foregoing problemswith the conventional CD storage and/or display box systems or pictorialframes are solved with novel optical arrangements for providing a useror customer with more and different opportunities for more easilyobserving information about the contents of CDs and for enhancing theopportunities for more creative advertising approaches to marketing CDsor for displaying other pictorial or graphical information in pictorialframes and the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to the use of printed materials whichcarry interlaced images in combination with lenticular optics embodiedin container boxes, particularly flat boxes, and displays, for thepurpose of providing different graphical and pictorial information whenthe boxes or displays are viewed form different angular perspectives.Also possible are three dimensional effects when viewed from a singleperspective or special effects such as morphing.

The various embodiments of the invention share common features foraccurately locating the interlaced printed images with respect to areference edge or line on the printed materials, and with respect tolenticular optics, when the printed materials are inserted into theboxes or displays. These are embodied in different preferred containerbox and display configurations although are not restricted solely tothose disclosed. Also, it will be seen that certain features disclosedin connection with one embodiment may be used in other embodiments wheredesired.

The interlaced images are preferably formed by standard offset printingor desktop publishing techniques using as output devices offset printingpresses or high-resolution, half-tone color printers. First, the desiredcontent of the different views are scanned and then electronicallyinterlaced with suitable software. Afterwards, the interlaced images arethen output in electronic form in a standard format that is acceptableto the printing industry. This could be a file in TIFF or postScriptformat. This file then serves as the input to standard printingtechnology to generate the materials which are then cut for proper fitand/or provided with alignment features which permit their accurateinsertion in a box or display structure in manner to be described.

The alignment features use several approaches. Either the fit betweenthe printed materials and the alignment features are made sensibly looseand the clearance is taken up by flexible elements that resiliently urgethe printing material to the necessary alignment position and attitudewithin required tolerances or the fit is controlled so that anyresultant clearances between the printed materials and the receivingstructure doesn't permit misalignment beyond what is needed. In someembodiments both approaches may used or elements of both may be sensiblymixed.

Several different embodiments which incorporate the invention include aCD jewel box, which could easily be used as a stand alone display, acontainer for general merchandise, and a display for sporting figures,family members, graphics, animation, textual and/or pictorial messages,or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an embodiment of the inventivebox system designated generally at 100. Box system 100 comprises a frontcover 102 hinged to a rear base 104 about a pair of pivots (one of whichis shown at 109). Inside of box system 100 is a compact disc holder ofnovel design (See FIG. 18) and having a grooved deck 106 which is moreeasily gripped for ease of handling.

Front cover 102 is preferably molded of a durable plastic such asstyrene or polycarbonate and includes a transparent, flat, lenticulatedpanel 110 in which there are formed in its front surface a plurality ofvertically oriented adjacent individual lenticules 112 which make up alenticular array or section. While lenticules 112 are shown enlargedmany times, it will be appreciated that in practice they are small,having spatial frequencies ranging between, for example, 1 to 10lenticules per millimeter.

Information in the form of interlaced printed images resides in a planebehind the front cover lenticulated panel 110 which operates in a mannerto be described to provide an observer with two different imagesdepending on the angle at which front cover 102 is observed. Because ofthe vertical orientation of lenticules 112, the two available views areseparated in angle in a horizontal plane perpendicular to front cover102. In FIG. 4, the arrows designated at 114 and 116 indicate by way ofexample the angular separation between such views, and FIGS. 6 and 7show examples of the different type of messages that an observer may seealong such paths of observation. As shown in FIG. 6, an observer may bepresented with a logo, title and/or artist information regarding thecontents of a CD while viewing along the path designated as 114. Alongpath 116, slightly to the right of path 114, an observer can see thecontents of individual numbers on the CD, as in the case of an audio CD.

While two separate views have been illustrated in connection with thedescription of the embodiment of FIG. 4, it will be appreciated thatmore than two views are quite feasible depending on the number ofinterlaced images provided, and such views of different information mayalso be presented to an observer viewing the flat wall of rear cover 104as well. It should also be appreciated that such views can periodicallyrepeat themselves as the angle of view over the surface of thelenticulated surface changes.

In FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of the invention is presented. Here,a box system 120 comprises a front cover 122 pivotally hinged to a rearbase 124 via a pair of pivot points (one shown at 125). Box system 120also has a novel disc holder (FIG. 18) with a grooved deck 126 thatprotrudes through a cutout in front cover 122. Deck 126 and a frontcover side 128 have serrations or grooves as before for improvinggripping and handling.

Front cover 122, as before, is injection molded of a transparent plasticin a well-known manner and includes a flat, lenticulated front panel 130having a plurality of horizontally oriented, side-by-side, parallellenticules 132. Lenticules 132 operate as before to provide twoinformational views that, in this instance, are angularly separatedvertically in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes oflenticules 132. Here, the views, which may be used to present differentobservable messages, are designated as 134 and 136, and theirinformation may well be identical to that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 orsomething altogether different.

As can be appreciated, each lenticule 112 operates in a well-knownmanner (explained in detail hereinafter) as a cylindrical lens to formline images in one azimuth corresponding to its longitudinally extendingaxis. More particularly, it will be recognized that each lenticule is aconvex-plano thick lens obeying the well-known optical equations thatapply to such lenses. For refined optical design of the lenticulesbeyond the application of thick lens equations, detailed ray analyseswill customarily be applied in a well-known manner.

Information cards that are provided are located so that their imagecarrying surface is at or near contact with rear surface of thelenticulated panels 110 or 130, as the case may be. As previouslymentioned, such information cards bear an interlaced image, i.e., theimages of the various views to be presented to a viewer broken up intotiny adjacent image strips, alternately one image segment form one viewand so on over the entire image. The interlaced images are placed behindlenticules 112 or 132 so that different combinations of them can be seenalong the different perspectives; each lenticule 112 providing a view ofpart of the whole image which collectively are perceived as asynthesized whole by the observers visual system without notice of thelenticules themselves because of their size in relation to the visualacuity of the eye.

The insert or printed informational cards may be positioned laterally,vertically, and rotationally through the use of arrangements to bedescribed. Suitable means such as resilient means are provided to keepthe insert cards pressed against or near the focal plane of lenticules112 or 132 to assure that the printed matter on a card is located at theproper distance from the loci of focal lines of lenticules 112 or 132and to assure proper rotational alignment between interlaced images andlenticules.

Where it is desired to utilize existing high-speed, industry wideequipment to insert informational materials, such as printed materials,in the box system of the invention, approaches other than the use ofregistration pins as those of the past may be beneficially used foralignment purposes, keeping in mind that such materials must be alignedwithin acceptable visual tolerances with respect to the loci of focallines of the lenticular surfaces, i.e., they must be flat over the areaof visual interest, and must not be twisted, or tilted, with respect tothe longitudinal axes of the lenticules. More particularly,informational inserts such as booklets must be self flattening, orotherwise rendered flat within required tolerances when in position, andpreferably fit into the space provided between the current standardretention tabs and the flat surface carrying the lenticular screen sothat current molds do not need to be modified especially to accommodatethe inventive informational materials. The depth of space availablebetween the retention tabs and the flat surface carrying the lenticularsis approximately 0.085 to 0.090 inches. With typical paper thicknessused for booklets, for example, running at about 0.005 to 0.006 inches,it is clear that, even for booklets consisting of multiple panels, asubstantial amount of available space must be filled to hold anyinstructional materials in place and properly aligned with thelenticules, both axially and rotationally. Moreover, since anyinformational insert, particularly those for use in the front cover, issuspended over a large span between oppositely facing tabs, it must bestiff perpendicular to this direction and resilient in a directionopposite so that it will flatten against the lenticulars over theirwhole area within the tolerances dictated by the depth of focus of theoptics. For a circle of confusion of about 0.005 ' (visual acuity), atypical lenticular spatial frequency of 50 lenticules per inch, and athickness of approximately 0.060, this depth of focus is about plus orminus 0.008 inches.

To solve this problem several inventive embodiments of informationalinserts have been made based on the principle discussed.

Various approaches to making such inserts with the needed propertieshave been found useful. FIG. 8 shows a double folded, multiple panel,booklet 182 having three panels, 184, 186, and 188, having sharp creasesbetween them, with the free edge of inwardly folded panel 188 enteringthe first crease formed between panel 184 and 186. Here, the lengths ofthe panels are selected so that, when folded, the edge of the last panelfolded interferes with the first crease to cause the last panel tobuckle under the induced compression set up in this way. This, in turn,creates the compliance needed, and the compliance may be adjusted asrequired by a simple length adjustment. For example, as shown in FIG. 9,the last panel to the right (188) may be made longer than the two to theleft of it (184 and 186), or alternatively, in one preferred embodiment,the outer two panels may be of the same length and the middle one madeshorter. Clearly, this approach makes for a reliable method ofcontrolling resilient properties by controlling length instead of thecharacteristics of the creases and material properties on whichinformation is printed.

As further seen in FIG. 9, the central panel 186 carries interlacedimages indicated typically at 183 and 185. Panel 186 also is importantbecause it is provided with an edge or reference line 181 that interactswith box structure in a manner to be described to align interlacedimages 183 and 185 with the longitudinal axes of lenticules such as 112.To assure that reference edge 181 is the only one that serves thisfunction, panels 184 and 188 are cut with a taper as indicated by theangles 187 and 189, respectively. When the panels are folded, their topedges are all kept in line so that only the reference edge 181 standsproud of the folded booklet. Again, interlaced images 183 and 185 areformed in the manner described previously, and it should be clear thatthey may be formed parallel to reference edge 181 as well asperpendicular to it so that either the horizontally or verticallydisplaced views of FIGS. 4 or 5 may be created. Moreover, it iscontemplated by the invention, that the reference edge and theinterlaced images may be at any sensible angle. What is essential isthat the reference edge and the interlaced images be in a predictablepredetermined angular relationship, which could just as easily beforty-five or sixty degrees, or some other.

FIG. 10 shows the sequence for folding booklet 182. Panel 184 is firstfolded on top of panel 186 with a sharp crease formed between them.Then, panel 188 is folded over panel 186, between panel 184 and 186, sothat it is sandwiched between them. Again, a sharp crease is formedbetween these latter two.

It will be understood that tab placement can be adjusted as needed toinduce the proper bending moments to cause informational inserts toflatten out against the optics. However, to change the current tabpositions would be a very costly proposition which can be avoided withthe present invention.

In addition to the need to have the informational inserts flat withrespect to the optics, it must also be parallel to the longitudinal axesof the lenticules to within limits or adverse visual effects can occurin the form of ripples that become apparent across the face of theviewed field. What has been found preferable is to keep the interlacedimages parallel to the longitudinal axes of the lenticules to within 1/2or less the width of a single segment of an interlaced image residentbehind a lenticule over the length of the art work of interest.Consequently, if the art work is long, this tolerance is more demandingthan if short. However, what is interesting is that the art work canslide perpendicular to the lenticules without objectionable visualproblems; one just sees the different views in different orders. Evenso, the tilt must remain within the above limits to avoid rippling. Thismeans that the edges of multiply folded panel inserts must be straightto within this tolerance, or at least one of them used for registrationmust be straight, while the others may deliberately be skewed in theopposite direction to avoid any conflict in this regard. Interestingly,while the inserts can move in parallel fashion transverse to thelongitudinal axes of the lenticules without introducing visualartifacts, so long as any tilt is kept within bounds, edges skewed inthe direction opposite that of the reference can provide springiness inthe plane of the insert to keep it in place perpendicular to the axes ofthe lenticules. Otherwise, the effect of slight movement in this planeis to simply change the order in which one sees the different views.

Also, it is to be understood that the various inserts described may berotated ninety degrees and still work even though the bowing is now alsoat ninety degrees to those inserts shown.

With respect to the maximum defocus and angular misalignment, thefollowing guidelines have been found useful but can be altered dependingon the image content, relationship of dominant areas, and the visualeffects that one is willing to tolerate as acceptable.

The maximum defocus is some fraction of a lenticule width and is givenby the ratio of the optical thickness, OT, of a lenticulated screen tothe number of interlaced images multiplied by some quality factor, f,which is selected based on what is visually tolerable for a particularset of images.

The allowable angular tolerance in radians is simply the ratio of thewidth of a lenticule divided by its length times the product of thenumber of images and again some quality factor. For example, if thelenticular length is four inches, its width 0.020, there are twointerlaced images and the quality factor is 2, then the allowableangular tilt is 1/14th of a degree.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the principle of operation of the lenticular panelsused in the box systems of the invention. Both figures are tracesillustrating the paths that certain light rays take in traveling fromdifferent portions of the interlaced images used in the invention toprovide the different views for a particular lenticule design. Here, theray traces were done for lenticules 112 that are made of styrene with anindex of refraction of 1.59, have a radius of 0.0285 inches, and anapical focal distance of 0.058 inches, i.e., the distance from the frontsurface on the axis to the optimal focus of a lenticule, here the dashedline which represents the interlaced image. The printed informationalcard actually resides behind this location by a distance of 0.003 inchesso that there is an air gap of this amount between the front surface ofa card (140) and the dashed line.

In FIG. 11, an observer looking straight along the axis of lenticules112 sees a different segment of the whole image behind each lenticule112 where each segment is designated at 146. If the observer looks alonga line of sight that is at 10 degrees with respect to the axis, imagesegments designated at 148, which correspond to a different image, canbe seen while those designated at 146 cannot.

In FIG. 12, image segments 150 are seen at an angle of observationinclined to the axis at 20 degrees so this may represent yet anothermessage or a repeat of a previous message slightly shifted.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which illustrates, the parallax effectthat can occur in using the invention if the size of the activelyimaging lenticulated surface becomes large in relation to theinterpupillary distance of the eye or the viewing distance iscorrespondingly small in relation to the overall image size. Theparallax effect comes about because of a displacement of the chief raypassing through the center of each lenticule with respect to itscorresponding image segment as the angle of observation of a lenticuleincreases compared with the normal to that lenticule. The result is thatevery chief ray, if not corrected for this effect, does not pass throughits correct interlaced image segment. The visual result is a softness orblurriness in changing from one view to the next or poor separationbetween views. The phenomenon is shown heuristically in FIG. 13. Let 210represent the lenticules with a given spacing (assume thin lens theoryapplies) and 212 represent the interlaced images at the same spatialfrequency of the lenticules. Here, the dashes for the interlaced imagesin 212 can comprise just one image or several images in the allocatedspace. For purposes of the illustration, they can be assumed torepresent one image segment, but the argument applies if they representmore than one.

As can be appreciated, the lenticules and images line up perfectly justlike one picket fence behind another, and when one looks through alenticule normal to it (the lenticules are transparent), one sees acorresponding image segment right behind it. However, when viewing 212at some angle other than normal incidence, it is clear that one nolonger sees the proper corresponding image segment. Instead, the line ofsight begins to walk away from the proper image segment as the viewingangle increases until the proper image is missed altogether. Thisresults in a partial view of both images simultaneously, a generallyundesirable result.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show in more quantitative terms exactly by what amountsthe chief ray "walkoff" problem amounts to. More particularly, let y_(o)be the ray height of the chief ray for any lenticule as a function ofthe angle of observation, θ, and vertical position of the y-intercept ofan incoming ray. Then θ_(o) =θ/n, where n is the index of refraction ofthe lenticular material and L₁ is the viewing distance. Then,

    y.sub.o =y.sub.1 (1+(t/n)/L.sub.1)

If one lets, f_(o) =the spatial frequency of the interlaced images, thento compensate for the progressively larger errors in y₀ with increasingviewing angle, then, f₁ the spatial frequency of the lenticules is givenby:

    f.sub.1 =f.sub.o (1+(t/n)/L.sub.1)

Thus, the parallax effect may be compensated for exactly for any assumedviewing distances or optimized over a range of viewing distances.

While the preferred way of correcting for parallax effects is toincrease the spatial frequency of the lenticules to progressively dropthe center of each lenticule downwardly with increasing angle, it is tobe understood that the spatial frequency of the artwork may also beadjusted or both can be altered to address the parallax problem.However, it is somewhat easier to build the correction into the moldingtool and use available printing techniques to achieve the spatialfrequency of the interlaced images.

FIG. 16 diagrammatically shows how the interlaced images and lenticulesmay be used to provide stereo image sets, such as stereo pairs, so theview of the box system front cover or other display may be a stereoimage. Here, the system is arranged so that the left eye sees a leftstereo image segment behind the right side of a lenticule 112 while theright eye sees a right stereo image segment behind the left side of alenticule 112. The overall effect is for the right and left eyes to havepresented to them full left and right stereo image pairs. Here, again,parallax effects can be corrected in the manner previously described.

It will also be recognized that multiple 3D images are contemplatedthrough the use of multiple interlaced stereo images.

FIG. 17 further illustrates the importance of proper alignment of theinformational content of the card with the longitudinal axes of thelenticules used in the invention. If the longitudinal axis is taken tocorrespond to the horizontal axis, OA, of a lenticule, then referenceedge 181 (FIG. 9) is preferably positioned parallel to it to achieveproper alignment within the tolerances provided in the previousdiscussions regarding tolerance guidelines. This would be true if theoptical axis of a lenticule ran vertically rather than horizontally asshown. Again, angular orientations other than parallal or perpendicularare beneficial and are within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-21, there is shown a novel compact disc holder200 for use in properly locating printed inserts with respect to thelenticular focal plane of the boxes of FIGS. 4 and 5. As will be seen,disc holder 200 is provided with a plurality of flexible arms that actas lifters resiliently urge a printed insert into the desired alignmentwith the focal plane while still being suitable for use withconventional high-speed assembly equipment.

As will be seen from the figures, compact disc holder 200 functions toretain an insert card flush with the rear surface of rear base flatpanel 110 or 132 and to retain a compact disc in place. For thesepurposes, disc holder 200 comprises a circular tray section 202 with aflexible hub 204. Extending above circular tray section 202 are fourraised edge sections, 206, 208, 210, and 212, located at the fourcorners of disc holder 200 and shaped to provide a rim for protectingthe peripheral edges of a compact disc.

Each raised edge section, 206-212, includes raised dimples (only twoshown), such as those at 214 and 216, that are adapted to be snap-fittedwith corresponding tab section detent holes, 56-62, such as those shownin the conventional rear base 22. In this manner disc holder 200 snapsinto and is retained in a rear base of conventional design.

A CD is held in place by disc holder 200 with its recorded informationbearing surface against the front surface of circular tray 202 so thatit is protected against damage. To accomplish this, a user simply alignsflexible hub 204 with circular hole 88 and then pushes against compactdisc 28 until it compresses the flexible fingers of hub 204 inwardly.Further inward pressure causes the flexible fingers by design to expandafter certain portions clear the thickness of a CD to trap disc 28 inplace.

Disc holder 200 also includes a rectangularly shaped raised deck 218that protrudes through front cover 102 or 122 near the hinge edge. Thedeck is usually provided with surface serrations extending along itslongitudinal direction to provide a grip for ease of handling by theuser and during manufacture.

As best seen in FIG. 18, each of the raised edge sections (206-212) isprovided with a flexible arm designated at 222-226, respectively. Eachflexible arm (222-226) resides in a corresponding rectangular shapedhole in a corresponding raised edge section and comprises as horizontalsection 230 and a vertically extending tab section 232 as showntypically in FIG. 21. The flexible arms are each preferably structuredso that, when such holders are stacked on top of one another, theflexible arms are pushed beneath the surfaces of their correspondingraised edge section but not beyond the bottom surface of the disc holder200. This enables the use of standard assembly equipment for high-speedoperation.

At the center of flexible hub 204 there is provided yet another flexiblearm 228 of similar construction. Arm 228 similarly retracts flush forease of use with assembly equipment and is optional depending on theproperties of the printed inserts with which it is used. Obviously,stiff, thick inserts would be less apt to require its use than thin,flexible inserts. In any event, arm 228 is preferably formed as anintegral part of one or more of the rosettes of central flexible hub204.

As best seen in FIG. 21, the height of vertical tab section 232 isdimensioned so that it positively urges a printed insert into thedesired focal plane of the lenticules. In practice, this would depend onselecting the dimension that is appropriate for the minimum thicknessfor the range of anticipated printed inserts to be encountered in use.

With respect to the angular alignment of an insert in using the discholder 200, one preferred way is to dimension the width of the printedinserts to that the clearance provided between their references edges181 (FIG. 9) and the interior surface of the front cover shallow sidewalls is everywhere less than the allowed departure from parallelismover the length of the printed interlaced images. This approach wouldthus rely on fit between the side walls of the front cover and the widthof a printed insert. As will be seen, there are other possibilities tobe discussed.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-25, there is shown a novel front cover 250that is provided with features for aligning printed material through theuse of flexible tabs for both alignment with respect to the focal planeof lenticulated panels and proper angular alignment between thelongitudinal axes of the interlaced images and the individuallenticules. Here, the clearance between the width of the printed insertsneed not be tight because flexible members resiliently urge the insertinto the desired alignment.

Front cover 250 includes a lenticulated panel 252 and a pair of opposed,shallow side walls 254 and 256. In side wall 254, there are providedthree flexible tabs 258, 260 and 262 which are generally parallel tolenticulated panel 252, although aimed slightly downwardly, and in sidewall 256, there are also three flexible tabs 264, 266, and 268 ofsimilar construction. Also, in side wall 256 there are provided a pairof flexible arms 270 and 272 for side loading a printed insert against areference line in side wall 254 defined by a pair of spaced apart bosses274 and 276 against which reference edge 181(FIG. 9) seats for angularalignment.

As best seen in FIGS. 26 and 27, a tab such as that at 268 has placedunderneath it a portion of a printed insert as shown in FIG. 27. Becausetab 268 is flexible, it holds the edge of the insert firmly against thefocal plane of the lenticules and tends to otherwise flatten the centralportions to bring them within acceptable tolerances for focus. If thecentral portion of the inserts sags because thin flexible inserts areanticipated, it is possible to use this scheme in combination with aflexible arm such at that at 228 in the hub 204 of disc holder 200 inFIG. 18. Alternatively, thicker, stiffer material may be used.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show the side loading action of flexible arms 270 and272. As will be noticed, a slight undercut 274 is provided so that aninsert cannot inadvertently slide underneath the arms and defeat theirside loading function. Such arms could also be used in conjunction withthe flexible lifter arrangement of FIG. 18 for focal plane alignment,and the fit approach discussed in connection with angular alignment inFIG. 18 could alternatively be used with the flexible tab approachadvocated here.

It should be clear that front cover 250 could with minor modification beused as a stand alone display box for purposes of the invention, and itis intended that it be so considered. Simple removal of the pivots andthe provision of a mounting hole, for example, would accomplish this.

FIG. 30 shows how embossing can be used in connection with the printedinsert itself to provide alignment functions. As shown there a printedinsert 280 is provided with four embossed sections 282-288, which areformed in well-known manners. The embossed sections are dimensioned andpositioned so that they fit in the space between corresponding frontcover tabs, which, as mentioned previously, is about 0.090 inches. Thisis best seen in the sectional view of FIG. 31. Obviously, this approachto focal plane alignment would work best with stiff printed inserts, butcould be used with the central lifter of FIG. 18 for added assurance. Inaddition, the angular alignment can, as before be controlled by fit orthe side loading scheme of FIG. 22 may beneficially be employed.

FIGS. 32 a-e show in sequence how a flexible lenticulated panel 300 maybe connected with a specially configured box or display 302 on which areprinted interlaced images. Here, box 302 may be for containing generalmerchandise, cereal, audio or video tapes, for example, or may simply beused as an otherwise empty pictorial display frame. Exemplary exampleswould include VHS cassette boxes or multiflapped CD holders where oneflap represents the contents of the holder. What is essential is thatone or more surfaces of such a box, or any surface for that matter, haveinterlaced images printed on it along with the correspondingregistration holes.

As best shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the flexible, lenticulated panel 300is provided with four flexible clips 304-310 that insert intocorresponding holes 312, 314, 316, and 318. The holes and the clips aredimensioned in the plane of the image carrying surface so that theangular alignment meets the criteria previously discussed. For a fourinch long lenticule, other things being as for previous examples, thelinear offset between the longitudinal axes of the interlaced images andthe lenticules would be about 0.005 inches and as much as 0.010 inchesover the four inch length, which could also be measured with respect tothe interlaced image length where the lenticule length was longer. Thesetolerances can be met by die cutting the required holes and injectionmolding the clips to the desired precision.

Also, the length between clips is dimensioned so that there is a slightinterference between the outer edges of the holes and the outer surfacesof the clip so as to force angular alignment. However, care must betaken to assure that the interference is not so much that it tends tobow the lenticular screen 300. Otherwise, it will not lie flat againstthe interlaced images.

In this connection, one of the clips may be foreshortened to that onlythree come into play for alignment purposes thus making the arrangementkinematic since there are no redundant forces competing in the alignmentarrangement.

In the foregoing manner there is provided a flexible transparent platehaving a lenticulated surface with a focal plane and a plurality ofparallel adjacent lenticules having longitudinally extending axes. Theclips are positioned on the flexible transparent plate to fit intoregistration holes when flexible transparent plate is bowed and attachthe flexible transparent plate to the image bearing box surface so thatthe focal plane of the lenticulated surface overlies the printedinterlaced images and the longitudinally extending axes of theinterlaced images are parallel to within a predetermined fraction of thewidth of one of the lenticules over the length of the lenticulatedsection to provide distinctly different information from differentangular perspectives of the transparent lenticulated section.

FIG. 35 shows yet another inventive arrangement for the display ofsporting figures, celebrities, popular performers, or family members andthe like. Here, a display box 320 is provided in the usual way of theinvention with a lenticulated panel 324. In box 320, there is formed byany wellknown manner, an elongated slot 326. A printed card 322 isprovided in accordance with the teachings of the invention and hasformed on it the necessary interlaced images 321 and reference edges.Slot 326 and printed card 322 are dimensioned in accordance withalignment requirements of the invention so that the fit between themdictates that printed card 322 resides within the depth of focus oflenticulated panel 324 and is otherwise angularly aligned properly.

Aside from tightly held tolerances to provide a snug fit between aprinted insert and its supporting structure with respect to thelenticulated panel 324, looser tolerances may be employed. This may bedone by dimensioning the width so that there is a loose fit widthwisebetween insert 322 and slot 326. In this approach, one edge of insert322 may then be aligned with one side of slot 326 to angularly align thelongitudinal axes of the interlaced images and the lenticules. Simply,physically tapping the edge display box 320 along one of its edges willaccomplish this. Afterwards, insert 322 may be fixed in place byultrasonically welding it to one of the surfaces of box 320, preferably.Alternatively, uv-curable epoxy may be used along the open edge of slot326.

Box 320 is preferably molded in a clam shell configuration with a livinghinge and well-known automatic attachment features which permit bothsides of it to snap together while automatically forming slot 326between them. Also, it is contemplated that both exterior surfaces ofbox 320 may be provided with lenticules in conjunction with both sidesof insert 322 being provided with interlaced images so that either boxside may project multiple or stereo images. In addition, the tolerancesof box 320 and insert 322 are perferably set so that one insert 322 maybe exchanged for another with different images.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 36 and 37 which show a display embodimentof the invention that has but one lenticulated surface. Here, thedisplay frame is designated as 330 and is seen to comprise alenticulated front panel 332 which does not cover its entire frontsurface 333 so there is surface area on surface area 333 that can beused for other display purposes such as a logo or business or tradename, or the like.

Extending from front surface 333 are a pair of opposed channels 334 and336 for receiving a printed insert carrying interlaced images. Such aninsert is designated at 340 which carries lenticulated images shown at342. As seen, printed insert 340 also has edges 344 and 346 that snuglyfit into grooves 334 and 336. The width between grooves 334 and 336 andthe width and thickness of insert 340 are toleranced to properly aligninterlaced images with respect to lenticulated panel 332. A stop 338 isalso provided to locate insert 340 along the length off channels 334 and336.

FIG. 38 shows another variation of a display such as 330. Here, adisplay 350 is again provided with spaced apart channels 352 and 354 anda stop 356. As before, the fit of an insert card with respect tochannels 352 and 354 establish the alignment between lenticules andinterlaced images. However, this embodiment differs from precedingembodiments because it illustrates the principle that the lenticlatedgrooves and interlaced images need not be in a parallel of perpendicularorientation but, rather, need only be in a predetermined orientation.For example, lenticules 358 are at thirty degrees with respect to thevertical in FIG. 38, lenticules 360 are at forty-five degrees, andlenticules 362 are at sixty degrees.

Such rotated or tilted lenticules provide the opportunity to offercustomized and proprietary artwork and lenses to differentiatecustomers. Clearly, boxes or displays designed to work at forty-fivedegrees can't "read" or "decode" printed inserts designed to work atother angles such as thirty or sixty degrees.

In addition to the orientation of the lenticules with respect to otherreference features of displays, boxes, and printed materials, it is alsocontemplated, along with lenticular orientation, that the spatialfrequency of the lenticules can be made different for different angularorientations to provide any number of combinations. For example,lenticular frequencies of 50, 60, 72, and 75 lenticulars per inchcombined with lenticular angular orientations of 0. 15, 30, 45, 60, 75,and 90 degrees result in 28 different possible combinations. For othersensible combinations, it is estimated that there are are in excess of100 possible combinations.

It should also be understood that it is not necessary to form thelenticulated wall sections of the invention as unitary structuresintegrated with structural walls themselves since it is within theteaching of the invention to attach separately formed lenticulated wallsections to otherwise smooth wall sections by using suitable adhesivesor other means of attachment. Moreover, it will be understood that thelenticulated structures of the invention, including compensation forparallax effects, may be integrated with the front, back, and side wallsurfaces along with interior surfaces, such as disc carriers, as well.In addition, it should be realized that the flexible lifters and sidearms for resiliently urging printed inserts into their alignmentpositions with respect to the focal plane and longitudinal axes of thelenticules need not be confined to use in just jewel box configurationssince it is entirely possible to incorporate them into base or frontcovers or the like rather than disc holders. Moreover, it will berecognized that lenticules may be arranged at any angle with respect toa reference line or surface since all that is required in thisconnection is to have the interlaced images rotationally aligned withrespect to the longitudinal axes of the lenticules. In this connection,the printed materials need not be perfectly rectilinear; what isessential is that they be of predetermined geometry and thickness andweight. Consequently, it is entirely within the scope of the inventionto have lenticules oriented at, say, forty-five degrees with respect toa box or display side.

Those skilled in the art may make other changes to the invention withoutdeparting from the scope of its teachings. Therefore, it is intendedthat the embodiments described herein be considered as illustrative andnot be construed in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A box system for displaying visual information,said box system comprising:information bearing media of predeterminedgeometry and thickness, said information bearing media having printed ona surface thereof a plurality of interlaced images and having one edgethat serves as a reference edge and is in a fixed angular orientation towithin a given tolerance with respect to said interlaced images; a pairof opposed, spaced apart flat walls having at least one major dimension;a plurality of shallow side walls interconnected between said pair ofopposed, spaced apart flat walls and having dimensions that aresubstantially smaller than said major dimension of said pair of opposed,spaced apart flat walls, at least one of said pair of opposed, spacedapart flat walls having at least one transparent lenticulated sectionoptically associated therewith, said transparent lenticulated sectionhaving arranged thereon a plurality of longitudinally extendinglenticules that collectively define a focal plane and have a given depthof focus, said plurality of shallow side walls and said pair of opposed,spaced apart flat walls providing an interior chamber for receiving saidinformation bearing means therein; and means located within saidinterior chamber for resiliently urging said information bearing mediainto a position of alignment with respect to said transparentlenticulated section such that said interlaced images are located withinsaid depth of focus of said lenticules and said reference edge is insaid fixed angular orientation to within a predetermined fraction of thewidth of one of said lenticules over the length of said interlacedimages with respect to said longitudinal axes of said lenticules so thatan observer of said transparent lenticulated section is provided withdistinctly different information when viewing transparent lenticulatedsection from different angular perspectives.
 2. The box system of claim1 wherein said lenticulated section corrects for parallax effects. 3.The box system of claim 1 wherein said information bearing mediacomprises a multi-paneled, folded, printed, compliant insert which isresiliently urged against said transparent lenticulated section so thatit is substantially flat with respect thereto.
 4. The box system ofclaim 3 wherein said panels of said multi-folded compliant insert are ofdifferent lengths so that, when folded, at least one of said panelsinterferes with the crease formed between two others to create a bow insaid compliant insert thereby making it resilient.
 5. The box system ofclaim 3 wherein one of the panels of said multipaneled, folded,compliant insert contains said reference edge and the edges of the otherpanels thereof are tapered with respect to said reference edge so that,when folded, only said reference edge is available for angular alignmentpurposes on one side of said compliant insert.
 6. The box system ofclaim 1 wherein said box system is molded of transparent plastic andsaid transparent lenticulated section is integrally molded with at leastone of said opposed walls thereof.
 7. The box system of claim 1 onewherein said transparent lenticulated section is formed on the exteriorsurface of one of said opposed flat walls.
 8. A box system fordisplaying visual information, said box system comprising:informationbearing media of predetermined geometry and thickness, said informationbearing media having printed on a surface thereof a plurality ofinterlaced images and having one edge that serves as a reference edgeand has a given angular orientation to within a given tolerance withrespect to said interlaced images; at least one flat wall having atleast one major dimension, said flat wall having at least onetransparent lenticulated section optically associated therewith, saidtransparent lenticulated section having arranged thereon a plurality oflongitudinally extending lenticules whose foci collectivelysubstantially reside in a focal plane and have a given depth of focus; aplurality of shallow side walls connected with said flat wall and havingdimensions that are substantially smaller than said major dimension ofsaid flat wall; and means for releasably holding and resiliently urgingsaid information bearing media with respect to said flat wall and atleast one of said shallow side walls so that said information bearingmedia is located in a position of alignment with respect to saidtransparent lenticulated section such that said interlaced images arelocated within said depth of focus of said lenticules and said referenceedge is in said fixed angular orientation, within a predeterminedfraction of the width of one of said lenticules over the length of saidinterlaced images, with respect to said longitudinal axes of saidlenticules so that an observer of said transparent lenticulated sectionis provided with distinctly different information when viewing saidtransparent lenticulated section from different angular perspectives. 9.The box system of claim 8 wherein said transparent lenticulated sectionis corrected for parallax effects.
 10. The box system of claim 8 whereinsaid means for releasably holding and resiliently urging saidinformation bearing media comprises flexible sections for resilientlyurging said information bearing media into alignment with respect tosaid transparent lenticulated section.
 11. A box system for containingat least one compact disc, said box system comprising:a flat basecomprising a first flat panel having shallow raised walls connectedaround the peripheral edges thereof; a flat front cover comprising asecond flat panel also having shallow raised walls connected around theperipheral edges thereof, said flat front cover and said flat base beingpivotally connected to one another to form a hinge between them so thatthey can be moved between a closed position in which they fit togetherto define an interior chamber therebetween for releasably receiving acompact disc, at least one of said first and second flat panels having atransparent lenticulated section optically associated therewith;information bearing media of predetermined geometry and thickness, saidinformation bearing media having printed on a surface thereof aplurality of interlaced images and having one edge that serves as areference edge and has a given angular orientation to within a giventolerance with respect to said interlaced images, said informationbearing media being insertable into said interior chamber for providinginformation when it is in a plane substantially parallel to at least oneof said first and second flat panels and in optical registration withsaid transparent lenticulated section thereof; and means located withinsaid interior chamber for resiliently urging said information bearingmedia into a position of alignment with respect to said transparentlenticulated section such that said interlaced images are located withinsaid depth of focus of said lenticules and said reference edge is insaid given angular orientation, within a predetermined fraction of thewidth of one of said lenticules over the length of said interlacedimages, with respect to said longitudinal axes of said lenticules to sothat an observer of said transparent lenticulated section is providedwith distinctly different information when viewing said transparentlenticulated section from different angular perspectives.
 12. The boxsystem of claim 11 further including a tray for holding a compact discinside of said interior chamber, said tray and said base includingcomplementary configured means for snap fitting together, said trayincluding flexible sections for resiliently urging said informationbearing media into alignment with said focal plane.
 13. The box systemof claim 11 wherein said shallow walls of said front cover includeflexible clips for holding said information bearing media andresiliently urging it into alignment with said focal plane.
 14. The boxsystem of claim 11 wherein said one of said shallow walls of said frontcover include a pair of reference bosses for defining a reference linetherebetween and an oppositely facing shallow wall includes flexiblearms for resiliently urging said reference edge of said informationbearing media against said reference line to angularly align saidinterlaced images with respect to said longitudinal axes of saidlenticules.
 15. The box system of claim 11 wherein said differentangular perspectives are angularly separated along a vertical plane whensaid lenticules of said transparent lenticulated section are oriented ina horizontal plane.
 16. The box system of claim 11 wherein saidtransparent lenticulated section is corrected for parallax effects. 17.The box system of claim 11 wherein said information bearing media bearsat least one stereo image pair and said transparent lenticulated sectionoperates to provide stereo pairs to an observer looking along the samedirection at said lenticulated section.
 18. A box system for use withinformation bearing media of predetermined geometry and thickness todisplay visual information where the information bearing media hasprinted on a surface thereof a plurality of interlaced images, one edgethat serves as a reference edge, and a given angular orientation towithin a given tolerance with respect to the interlaced images, said boxsystem comprising:at least one flat wall having at least one majordimension, said flat wall having at least one transparent lenticulatedsection optically associated therewith, said transparent lenticulatedsection having arranged thereon a plurality of longitudinally extendinglenticules whose foci collectively substantially reside in a focal planeand have a given depth of focus; a plurality of shallow side wallsconnected with said flat wall and having dimensions that aresubstantially smaller than said major dimension of said flat wall; andmeans for releasably holding and resiliently urging said informationbearing media with respect to said flat wall and at least one of saidshallow side walls so that said information bearing media is located ina position of alignment with respect to said transparent lenticulatedsection such that said interlaced images are located within said depthof focus of said lenticules and said reference edge is in said fixedangular orientation, within a predetermined fraction of the width of oneof said lenticules over the length of said interlaced images, withrespect to said longitudinal axes of said lenticules so that an observerof said transparent lenticulated section is provided with distinctlydifferent information when viewing said transparent lenticulated sectionfrom different angular perspectives.
 19. The box system of claim 18wherein said transparent lenticulated section is corrected for parallaxeffects.
 20. The box system of claim 18 wherein said means forreleasably holding and resiliently urging said information bearing mediacomprises flexible sections for resiliently urging said informationbearing media into alignment with respect to said transparentlenticulated section.
 21. The box system of claim 18 wherein said meansfor releasably holding and resiliently urging said information bearingmedia comprises a pair of spaced apart channel sections dimensioned withrespect to said predetermined geometry and thickness of said informationbearing media to provide a snug fit therewith for purposes of aligningsaid interlaced images with respect to said transparent lenticulatedsection.
 22. The box system of claim 18 further including another flatwall opposed to said one flat wall and in combination with said shallowside walls defining a slot therebetween for receiving said informationbearing media, said slot being dimensioned with respect to saidpredetermined geometry and thickness of said information bearing mediato provide a snug fit therewith for purposes of aligning said interlacedimages with respect to said transparent lenticulated section.
 23. Thebox system of claim 22 wherein both of said flat walls includelenticulated sections and said information bearing media comprisesprinted interlaced images on opposed surfaces thereof for providingdifferent views on both sides of said box system.
 24. The box system ofclaim 8 wherein said means for holding and resiliently urging comprisesa pair of spaced apart channel sections dimensioned with respect to saidpredetermined geometry and thickness of said information bearing mediato provide a snug fit therewith for purposes of aligning said interlacedimages with respect to said transparent lenticulated section.
 25. Thebox system of claim 8 further including another flat wall opposed sosaid one flat wall and in combination with said shallow side wallsdefining a slot therebetween for receiving said information bearingmedia, said slot being dimensioned with respect to said predeterminedgeometry and thickness of said information bearing media to provide asnug fit therewith for purposes of aligning said interlaced images withrespect to said transparent lenticulated section.
 26. The box system ofclaim 25 wherein both of said flat walls include lenticulated sectionsand said information bearing media comprises printed interlaced imageson opposed surfaces thereof for providing different views on both sidesof said box system.
 27. The box system of claim 8 wherein saidlenticulated section is comprised of portions having different angularorientations with respect to said interlaced images.
 28. The box systemof claim 8 wherein said lenticulated section and the interlaced imagesof said information bearing media have portions that are at differentspatial frequencies with respect to other portions.
 29. The box systemof claim 8 wherein all of the walls of said box system are molded oftransparent plastic and said lenticules are formed on a front surfacethereof.
 30. The box system of claim 18 wherein said lenticulatedsection is comprised of portions having different angular orientationswith respect to said interlaced images.
 31. The box system of claim 18wherein said lenticulated section and the interlaced images of saidinformation bearing media have portions that are at different spatial.32. The box system of claim 18 wherein all of the walls of said boxsystem are molded of transparent plastic and said lenticules are formedon a front surface thereof.